Train and Rail service in Sicily, Italy
Train Connections and service
You can travel to Sicily from anywhere in Italy including from cities such as Rome, Milan and Venice by train and you can also travel across Sicily itself between cities such as Catania, Palermo and Taormina. The main issue comes with access between mainland Italy locations and travel by train to locations on the islands of Sicily. Until a bridge is build connecting the island and the Italian mainland, train travel will involve an extra 1-2 hours for the train to be set to transfer on the ferry across the Messina Strait.
In the future there is the possibility of a bridge and chances are that a road bridge would be copied with a train or rail bridge alongside it. Until then, travelling from a city such as Rome or Milan by train to Palermo as an example, can take 12 - 14 hours and can be a tiring journey. The truth be told, you may be better off trying to get a cheap flight if travelling from the North of Italy to Sicily. If you are travelling from a Southern part of mainland Italy then 
train and rail transport is certainly a consideration.
If you do travel across on the ferry on the train, it is quite an experience as you literally stay on the train as it is set onto ferry and then comes off the other side.
If traveling from the North of Italy then your best bet can be an overnight train and a train which offers a bunk bed style service.
Booking trains and checking schedules online: http://www.trenitalia.com
The trains themselves are fairly old but will likely be updated with newer versions in the future.
Back to Getting to Sicily.
